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Incoming district governors excited to Light Up Rotary

Incoming district governors enthusiastically greeted the theme for 2014-15, Light Up Rotary, during the first plenary of the International Assembly, Rotary’s annual training event for future leaders. RI President-elect Gary C.K. Huang explained he was inspired by the teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucious who said: “It is better to light a single candle, than to sit and curse the darkness.”

I asked several of the future leaders their thoughts about the theme, moments after it had been unveiled here in San Diego, California, USA. Here is what they said:

Ramesh Agrawal, governor-elect of District 3052 (India): “This theme gives us a new idea and it’s very easy to understand, very easy to communicate to everyone so we can spread the Rotary movement to more people. More people will join Rotary, and then we’ll have more hands for service in the future.“

Arturo Ruiz Juarez, governor-elect of District 4150 (Mexico): “The theme for next year is very motivating. With this idea, we can reach the hearts of many people who want to do good, who want to serve Rotary.”

Kirenjit Kaur, governor-elect of District 3300 (Malaysia): “The theme is inspiring, it connects with us. I think it really works with having women and younger people join Rotary.”

Gary Earl Bray, governor-elect of District 7670 (North Carolina,USA): “I think one of the best things about this theme is that it’s open to interpretation by clubs as to how they would like to think about improving Rotary and getting Rotarians actively engaged in projects, as well as enthusiastic about their clubs.”

Josephine Weber, governor-elect of District 6980 (Florida,USA): “The new theme is gonna light everybody sky up, it’s off the charts, tons of brainstorming, and it’s like fireworks forever.”

Light is HOPE. The banner is beautiful. I love the swirl lines going up and the stars on it to light the way. Creative and very much appealing. Adds youth to the dimension. More young people need to belong to such a wonderful organization. I have spoken to many Rotary groups in my area thanking them for all that they do to “End Polio Now”. Just one of the many items that Rotary helps take care of. I am a polio survivor from 1948 and now at age 66 I am so glad to rejoice with India. Now the remaining three countries need to finish the “End Polio Now” challenge.

Humanity needs this logo 2014/15. I’ll not speak about darkness many people live in but rather the hope, the light, they need from Rotary. 1.3m Rotarians should be the energy and light to be shed on polio eradication, serving their own and global communities, reaching out to media with meaningful projects and increasing our driving force.

Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, District Governor Nominee, District 9140 , Nigeria. There is something about this theme…..light up Rotary. It is my prayer and sincere desire that each and everyone of us would ignite the light within us so that we can automatically LIGHT UP ROTARY. It is up to us and the power of the light is in our hands, we are the light and so is Rotary. Well done RIPE Huang, let the light shine!